At 4:43 AM today, Fire Services personnel were dispatched to 308 West 18th Street for a residence on fire. Upon arrival personnel encountered heavy fire venting from the basement windows and thick smoke throughout the building.
The first arriving personnel were focused on searching for up to 5 occupants that were believed to be in the structure. It was later learned that occupants were safe and evacuated prior to arrival of the fire department. Immediate fire damage was contained to a bedroom in the basement however the residence suffered heat and smoke damage throughout. Crews remained on scene for over two hours to complete extinguishment search for hidden fire.

Total damage to the structure and contents is estimated to exceed $50,000. The fire cause has yet to be determined pending an investigation, however it appears to be accidental in nature. There were no known injuries to occupants or personnel. Those responding to the incident include HDPS Fire Services, Stations 1, 2, & 3, the Holland Police Department, AMR, American Red Cross and the HDPS Victim Services Unit.

It remains to be determined if smoke detectors were operable and provided notification to the occupants. Regardless HDPS would like to remind residents that smoke detectors save live. Make sure every residence has working smoke detectors, test them and remember to change the batteries twice a year. “Change your clock, Change your battery.”